Whether you’re putting on a theatrical production of Shakespeare’s “Julius Caesar,” or simply interested in dressing up as a member of the Roman legion for Halloween, you want to look polished and realistic rather than cheap and commonplace. Obviously, you want the materials to be of higher quality, but you also want the armor to make sense historically and while seeming authentic. The design and the styling must match what people expect from a Roman soldier uniform. Continue reading →

When it comes to your medieval hobbies and armor collection, historical accuracy is just as important as functionality. Check out this historical guide to medieval helmets from the costume experts at Armor Venue. Continue reading →

If you want to keep your armor looking new, you will need to take care of it with routine maintenance. Many companies will ship you armor that has grease and is wrapped in plastic. It is important to remove these when you get your armor. Use a solvent to get the grease off. Then protect the armor with an application of wax. Continue reading →

Collectors looking to buy Roman soldier armor will have a lot of sections to assemble, so we’ve compiled a brief guide to the different pieces you may need to find. No matter what you’re buying, it’s not only important to make sure that the armor is sturdy and in good condition, but also that it fits well. Where there are buckles and straps, they should keep your armor in place, even when you move around in the armor.

Shields

The scutum, a large rectangular Roman shield, helped protect a large part of the soldier who carried it, especially since the curved surface is good at deflection. Roman soldiers practiced many different group formations, and soldiers could interlock their shields to form one large protective barrier all around the front of the unit as well as the top. Continue reading →

While chain mail has been around for centuries and had been used by many ancient cultures from Japan to Rome, medieval chain mail has its own culture and history. If you intend to start collecting chain mail, we have a few facts that you might want to know before you start.

If you’re interested in purchasing authentic European style armor, chances are you may have done some research on medieval leather armor already. Leather armor, much like chain mail armor, was designed by blacksmiths for knights and soldiers to use as protection during combat. Leather armor was very popular in the early middle ages, because it was much cheaper to find than other types of armor; it was easier to make than metal ring or plate mail, and many soldiers could make their own repairs of this armor if necessary.

Who Used Leather Armor

Leather armor was used by lower classes, but it was also used by nobles who either couldn’t afford more expensive armor or who chose to use leather armor as a base layer. Even as metal armors became more popular, leather armor was still used as the first layer of defense for certain areas of the body. During most of the middle ages this type of armor was the first choice for many soldiers and other individuals who needed protection during battle. Leather armor provided great protection from slashes from an enemy sword or dagger. As time went on, leather was used as an alternative to heavy metal armors when soldiers needed to maintain mobility and quickness on the battlefield. Continue reading →

If you’re interested in medieval history and armor, you’ve probably spent some time studying the different types of medieval helmets. If you spend some time online, you’ll be amazed how many types of armor can be purchased online for your personal collection, including helmets. These helmets, whether you look at Greek warrior helmets or knight helmets, are a great addition to any collection. It is helpful to have some context about when and how the various types of armor were used. Here are some of the types of medieval helmets that were used during the medieval period.

Types of Helmets

Medieval helmets were some of the most varied helmets ever made. Helmets, like most types of armour, were traditionally worn by knights, soldiers, body guards, and anyone else who may have the need to protect themselves from violence. They were made with several different materials and came in many different shapes and styles. Helmets were designed with protection in mind, and many of the varieties offered little comfort or visibility. Helmets worn by knights often included visors, and were designed to protect the wearer from blows to the face. Continue reading →

The legions of Rome are legendary and with good reason. Rome raised the first standing army, required their soldiers to work at a steady pace every day of the week, and trained them in more skills than Boy Scouts have badges. Some of the greatest battles come out of the Romans facing off against the barbarian hordes, and while their armor and weapons were important to those battles, many historians recognize that it was the Roman soldiers’ discipline that gave Rome an edge in most conflicts. The Armor Venue cannot help you with the discipline aspect, but we can share with you some amazing facts about Roman armor and uniforms.

Roman Soldier Armor

Few examples of actual Roman armor have survived the ravages of time. Fortunately, history has several detailed descriptions of what the Romans wore into battle. Generally, they had a type of scale mail made from wood, bone, or metal. They also used leather boiled in wax to make it harder. Continue reading →

One historian said that armor made the knights the equivalent of a medieval tank. They could wade through the battlefield dealing death without worrying too much about what was to come. Armor is complicated and full of French names that Americans may find difficult to remember and pronounce. Fortunately, when you need a suit of armor, the Armor Venue has got your back and everything else covered. Continue reading →